For Successors
Succession from within
Saha enables capable managers, family successors and carefully selected outside leaders to acquire the established Swiss companies they are best placed to lead, with financing that does not depend on personal wealth, and a long-term partner alongside them.
Ownership by capability, not by wealth
In many Swiss companies, the person best placed to take over is already there: a manager who knows every customer, or a family member who has grown into the business over many years. What usually stands in the way is not ability, but capital. A bank will not finance the full price, and few successors can provide the remainder or the guarantees required.
Saha provides the financing and the structure, invests alongside the successor on equal terms, and remains a long-term co-owner. Ownership of the company becomes a question of capability rather than personal means.
Whom we support
Managers first. Insiders know the business, its customers and its people, and the evidence shows that buy-outs by insiders succeed more often than buy-ins by outsiders. If you already help lead a company whose owner is considering succession, we would welcome a conversation.
Family successors as well. Many are accomplished leaders, and family succession remains an integral part of our model. What matters is capability rather than lineage, and a plan the company can sustain.
And carefully selected outside leaders. For experienced operators who wish to lead an established Swiss business for the long term, our Future CEO track provides the preparation for that role. An outside successor always assumes responsibility after a period alongside the owner, never on the first day.
How it works
An initial conversation
We come to know you, the company and the owner's intentions. Everything is confidential, and nothing proceeds unless all parties wish it to.
Preparing together
Once the owner and Saha have agreed the essentials, we prepare the handover with you: capturing the owner's knowledge, documenting how the business operates, and arranging the financing.
Closing as co-owner
You and Saha acquire the company together, at the same price per share. Depending on your investment, Saha holds between 20% and 80%, with a Swiss bank and long-term investors financing the remainder.
A path to control
Once the company has repaid its loans, you may progressively acquire Saha's shares from the company's profits. Saha retains a lasting stake of at least 20% and remains alongside you.
What we offer
Genuine ownership from the outset, on the same terms as Saha. A structure in which the company, rather than the successor personally, carries the financing. And a defined path to a larger share of the business as it repays its debt.
Successors do not carry this responsibility alone. Saha provides clear monthly reporting, cash planning and early warning, so that management can concentrate on customers and people. As further companies join, successors become part of a community of owner-managers facing similar questions, with the same long horizon.
What we ask in return
A genuine, long-term commitment. Successors invest capital of their own, in proportion to their means, and assume full responsibility for the company they lead. We ask for transparency on performance, with us and with the bank, and the patience to build over many years. In return, successors gain something rare: ownership of the business they lead.
The Future CEO track for outside leaders
For experienced operators who wish to lead an established Swiss business but are not yet part of one, the Future CEO track offers a structured route into the role.
Formation
Work alongside the Saha team on live situations in the sectors you would consider leading. This phase is flexible and unpaid, and concludes when you are matched with a specific company.
Alongside the owner
You join the company before closing and come to know it alongside its owner. Compensation begins. Responsibility passes to you in stages, through a structured handover.
CEO and co-owner
At closing, you invest alongside Saha and assume the role of CEO, with genuine ownership and full responsibility for the company's direction.
Stewardship
Over the years, the role deepens. The company develops, relationships mature, and your stake can grow accordingly. You join a group of owner-managers who learn from one another and help guide those who follow.
A considered conversation about your succession
Whether you are a manager, a family successor or an outside leader, we would welcome the opportunity to learn about you and the company you have in mind. Every conversation is confidential.